The EPA has released an important update to ENERGY STAR''s national energy performance scale methodology for hospitals, the release stated.

According to the release, the updated performance scale will help hospitals better assess their energy performance and make more informed financial and investment decisions in order to cut costs and improve their energy efficiency.

The updated ENERGY STAR national energy performance scale methodology for hospitals now includes data inputs for the number of MRI machines and personnel and adjustments to weather normalization to reflect the amount of energy used to cool the building, the release noted.

Additionally, the methodology''s five million square foot size cap was removed, allowing larger hospitals to take advantage of the online tool, the release added.